Signal-lantern



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet l.

P. GRAY. Y

sGNAL LANTERN.

No. 521,162. Patented June 12, 1894.

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(No Model.)

RGRAYQ SIGNAL LANTBRN.

l Patented June 12, 1894.

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NiTn STATES u PATENT OFFICE.

PETER GRAY, OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS.

AsicaNAI.-LANTl-:Fm.

` SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 521,162, dated .Tune12, 1894.

Application filed November 11, 1893. Serial No. 4790.695- (No model.) l

.To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, PETER GRAY, a citizen of the United States, residingat Cambridge, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signal-Lanterns;and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exactdescription of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in theart to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in signal lanterns, and has specialreference to a railway lantern usually placed upon the rear coach of atrain, and the primary object of my invention is the provision ofsimple, durable and inexpensive devices which will permit of the readyand rapid changing of the lenses according to the signal to be displayedand which improvements will be thoroughly practical.

, To attain the desired object the invention consists of a signallantern embodying novel features of construction and combination ofparts substantially as disclosed herein.

In order that the details of construction and the operation andadvantages of my invention may be readily understood and appreciated Ihave illustrated in the accompanying drawings a signal lanternconstructed according to my invention.

Figure l represents a side elevation of a signal lantern embodyingmyimprovements with a portion ofthe lantern broken away to disclosedetails. Fig. 2 represents a bottom plan view thereof. Fig. 3 representsa detail sectional view on an enlarged scale to more clearly show thedevices for adjusting the lantern to display the different colors, theadjusting devices being in the position they assume when the lan/tern islocked at the proper place to display the desired color. Fig. 4:represents a similar view the disks being separated and the studsthereon being disengaged from the openings to permit the turning of thelantern to the desired position. Figs. 5 and 6 represent detail views ofthe abutting disks which have the locking studs and the openings toreceive said studs.

Referring by letter to the drawings in which similar letters ofreference denote corresponding parts in the several views: A designatesthe bracket or support which is fastened generally upon the rear of thelast coach of the train and receives thearm B, having the band C, whichencircles the lower part of the lantern D. From this construction itwill be seen that the lantern iits snugly in the band but the upperportion carrying` the bulls eyes or lenses E, can be rotated in the cupshaped lower portion F, to display any one of the lenses, andtheabutting disks G and G are provided with aligning openings H to allowthe ingress of air. Passing centrally through the disks is the stem J,having at its lower end the cross-piece K, provided with finger 'loopsL, and around the stem and bearing against the cross-piece and disk G isthe coiled spring M, the purpose of which is to draw down upon the upperdisk Gr and cause the depending studs N, thereon to positively engagethe openings O, in the disk G and thus lock` the upper portion of thelantern at each quarter turn to display any one of the various lensesaccording to the character of the signal to be displayed.

From this construction it will be understood that to adjust the lanternto display the dit- Y ferent lenses it is only necessary to grasp thecross-piece withthe fingers in the loops thereof and push the stemupward which breaks the connection of the disks by disengaging the studson the upper disk from the openings on the lower disk and by giving thecross-piece a quarter turn the lantern is moved the proper distance todisplay the desiredv lens, and it will be seen that I provide simple,durable, inexpensive and practical means to accomplish the desiredobjects.

1. In a signal lantern, the combination of the upper section carryingthe lenses and having the circular bottom or disk provided withdepending lugs, the lower section having the circular disk abuttingagainst the disk of the upper section and having openings to receive thelugs of the upper disk, the depending stem connected to the upper diskfor elevating the upper section and revolving it said stem having ahandle, and a spring bearing against the lower disk and the handle ofthe stem for preventing accidental detachment of the locking devices, inthe manner described.

2. In a signal lantern, the combination of IOCi the stationary sectionhaving the abutting disk provided with openings, the adjustable sectioncarrying the lenses and having the abutting disk provided with dependingstuds, for engaging the openings of the stationary section, and a handleconnected with the adi ings in the abutting portion of thelowerstationary section, a stem connected to the upper movable sectionand having a handle for rotating the upper section, and studs on theupper section for engaging the openings of the lower stationary sectionto retain the lantern at the proper adjustment.

4. In a signal lantern, the combination of thc upper section carryingthelcnses and having the disk, the lower section having the abuttingdisk, studs on the upper disk and openings on the lower disk to receivethe studs, a stem having the upper end connected to the upper disk andhaving the operating handle or cross-piece to move the upper p0rtion ofthe lantern, and the spring coiled around the stem, for the purposedescribed.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

PETER GRAY.

Witnesses:

R. T. CHAMBERLIN, GEORGE M. GRAY.

